Sheet stop device for rotary duplicating machines



A. H. GEIE March 1l, 1952 SHEET STOP DEVICE FOR ROTARY DUPLICA'IING MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 1l, 1947 l lhhwkullwnnlnlh/rnldik nim MME 1e RW ww v\. mm w @i March 11, 1952 A. H. GEIB 2,588,917

SHEET sToP DEVICE FOR ROTARY DUPLICATING MACHINES Filed Jan. 11,1194? 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 11, 1952 A. H. GEIE; 2,588,917

SHEET STOP DEVICE FOR ROTARY DUPLICATING MACHINES Filed Jan. 11, 1947 4 Shee'bS-Shee'b El l' I III, ,1U llI lu g l A. H. GEIB `March 1l, 1952 SHEET sTof DEVICE EOE ROTARY DUPLICATING MACHINES Filed Jan. 11, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 11, 1952 SHEET STOP DEVICE FOR/ROTARY DUPLICATING MACHINES Arthur H. Geib, Milwaukee, `Wis.

Application Januaryll, 1947, SerialNo. 721,628

This invention relates to improvements in dulpicating machines of the planographic type, and particularly, to those types of machines in whichtranser is effectedby the bodily moisteningof `a sheet which is then surface engaged with a rotatable drum carried master sheet prerying drum will be continuously rotated at a uniform rate of speed through a complete and continuing rotation of the same, whereby to effect'even and uniform impression on the surface of a sheet or sheets passed into engagement with and by the same, thus, insuring clean, `clear and sharply dened transfer of matter, characters, etc., from the master sheet to such sheet or sheets.

Another object o the invention is to provide a machine of the stated character which, because of the continuous operational rotation of its master sheet carrying drum, will materially reduce weer and tear on and of its active and/or working parts, and so, greatly prolong the period of efficient use `of thc machine, as well as reduce operating fatigue.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a duplicating machine wherein work sheets (sheets to be duplicated) will be sodelivered to and contacted with the drum carried master sheet that said work sheets, following duplicating impression, will be discharged or delivered from the machine to a receiving drawer, tray or the like, iace or printed side up, hence, enabling an operator to `conveniently and efectually maintain a constant inspection of the sameif desiredwithout interruption of operation of the machine.

The invention also aims to provide a machine having a novel and advantageous work ish'eet feeding means which will insure individual and successive sheet feeding to themachine moistening `means and to the master sheet carrying ywork sheets lsuccessively fed Vinto L`the 'machine 5 Claims. (Cl. lill-1325) prior to their surface contact with the master sheet .carrying drum, whereby said sheets will each .be economicallysupplied with a predetermined, adequate and evenly applied and distrib- .uted amount of moisture in order that they will take clear, uniform and sharp impression or transfer from the hectograph prepared master sheet yon said drum Awhen surface contacted therewith.

Yet .another object ofthe invention is to provide a `duplicatingmachine having `an impression roller so arranged and mounted with relation to the machine lmaster sheet carrying roller that .a `ace.s'ide-up impression or transfer will be .taken by a work sheet surface contacting with the master sheet, said impression roller being capable of instant and convenient bodily adjustment for exerting a predetermined degree of pressure contact with the drum peripheral surface in order Vthat'the Ydensity,-sharpness and other incidental and desirable characteristics of aresulting transfer may be advantageously and positively controlled and regulated.

`A further and Vimportant desideratum of the invention `is to provide a 4duplicating machine wherein convenient and lready access may be had to any and all of the various working `parts thereof, thus, making for a maximum of operating, adjustment, repair and replacement erliciency and simplicity.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, advantages and meritorious teachings of my invention, will be in part Vobvious and in part pointed out inthe following detailed disclosure thereof, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it being understood that the forms of invention presented herein are precise and what'are now considered tovbe the best modes of embodying its principles, but that modifications and changes may be made `in specic embodiments without `departing `from 'its essential features.

In `the drawings: Vligure 1 isa partial vertical longitudinal section through `the improved duplicating machine,

having a 'portion of the near side wall of the `machine vbed shown in elevation and certain of the 'working `parts of said machine shown in dottedlines inwardly o'f the elevationally shown portion and of said `bed side wall.

Figure 2 is a horizontal longitudinal section through vthe improved machine, taken on the Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in y vertical transverse section through the improved master drum.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary detail in elevation of the mounting and the means for moving the impression roller of the machine into and out of pressure engagement with the peripheral surface of the master drum.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary d etail 1n top plan of the form of work sheet engaging and pushing device for effecting feeding of the work sheets from the machine shelf to the duplicating mechanismof said machine. l

. Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail 1n end elevation of said device.

Figure l is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section through a portion of the machine providedwith a modified form of work sheet control gate for intermittently feeding work sheetsfromthe machine shelf to and between the sheet moistening and feed rollers.

Figure 1l is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line II-II of Figure 10, looking in the direction in which the arrows point, and

Figure l2 is a fragmentary vertical longitudi- A nal section through a portion of the duplicating machine, showing the improved and modified form of work sheet control gate in its depressed or open position. n

Referring in detail to the drawings, the invention, generally stated, includes a, bed or supporting body I of substantially rectangular formation having a iiat horizontal work sheet receiving and feeding shelf 2 therein; a master sheet receiving and carrying drum 3 (hereinafter referred toas the master drum) a iiuid supplying means 4; a work sheet feeding and moistening assembly 5, and a work sheet pusher assembly 6.

The bed I, as stated, is of substantially rectangular formation.` It consists of two relatively spaced and parallel complementalside plates 1 and 8 made of appropriate gauge sheet metal or lother suitable material fixedly interconnected at the lower portions of their opposite ends by transverse rods 9 and IIl locked by nuts .or similar means. Thus, the proper degree of rigidity is provided to the bed I. Y

The normally rearward portions of the side plates are of greater depth than their forward portions, as indicated at 1 and 8 and serve to house and support therebetween the master drum 3, the fluid supplying means 4 and the work sheet feeding and moistening assembly 5.

The lower portions of the side plates 1 and 8 are flanged, as at II, throughout their lengths, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, whereby to strengthen said plates and also, permit the connection of suitable feet l2, at appropriate points, for an obvious purpose.

Another piece of sheet metal I3, of proper shape and size, having flanged ends, is engaged between the upper extremities of the portions 1 and 8' of the side plates and serves as a-cover or shield,l i. e., shielding and protecting the machine working parts therebelow. Screws or like the inner faces of said portions.

The flat or plane horizontal shelf 2 is positioned between though slightly below the upper extremities of the normally forward and shallower portions of the side plates 1 and 8. It extends longitudinally of the bed I to a point in proximity to the inner vertical sides of their portions 1' and 8', as will be seen upon reference to Figures l, 3 and 5, and is formed with an oblique and upwardly extending lip or apron I5 entered into the space between the adjacent portions of said portions 1 and 8.

A leaf extension I6 is hinged to the forward transverse end of the shelf 2, as at I1, and has spring pressed arcuately shaped and right anguin Figure l, whereby to provide increased shelf area. When such additional shelf area is unneeded, the lead may be swung downwardly to the full line position shown in Figure l.

To receive duplicated sheets as they are passed by and from the master drum 3, I may and preferably do provide the rearward portion of the bed I with a drawer 2| slidable over the rear connecting rod I0 into and longitudinally between the side plates 1 and 8. Rollers 22 are connected to the lower side and inner end of the drawer bottom for traversing engagement with the bed bottom II to facilitate free sliding movement of said drawer to open or closed position. With the drawer opened or extended from the bed I, it will be understood that an effectual means for receiving duplicated sheets from the machine and retaining them piled, will be provided.

'Ihe master drum 3, disposed transversely of and between the side plate portions 1 and 8. is iixedly mounted on a shaft 23 whose opposite ends are journaled in bearings 24 connected to A portion of the drum periphery has a cross-sectionally dovetailed way formed in and longitudinally of and throughout its length. Said way normally flushly and snugly receives therein a correspondingly shaped and sized work sheet clamp bar 25. Relatively equi-spaced lingers 23 are rigidly connected to the inner side of the clamp bar 25 and extend radially inwardly of the drum 3 through suitable bushings 21 set therein, where their free and inner ends are pivotally engaged by clevises or links 28, whose inner ends, in turn, have certain of the ends of coiled springs 29 conn ected thereto. Annuluses 30, loosely engaged about intermediate portions of the mounting shaft 23, are pivotally engaged by the inner or remaining ends of the `coiled springs 29. Accord- ,ingly, it will be understood that the clevis and Acoiled spring connection of the clamp bar carried tween the clamp bar and an adjacent side of its receiving way, will be securely though detachably connected with the result that said sheet gesegelt will `be positively, yet detachably connected to the drum, and so, insure its proper positioning 'thereon for effecting duplicating transfers.

YIn order that theclamp bar may be selectively Amoved radially outwardly or disengaged from the aforesaid drum peripheral way, I slidably engage a rod 3| through bushings 32 fxedly inset in suitable openings formed in portions Aof the drum mounting spider (see Figure 4). Said rod, it will be notedI is'disposed longitudinally of and within 'the master drum 3. Substantially `frusto-conical cam elements, generally identied by the numeral 33, are fixedly provided to the "rod 3| in equi-spaced relation throughout its length, while the normally outer and extended end of the rod may be and preferably is provided with a button or similar finger engaging device 34. Equi-spaced cams 33, as will be seen upon reference to Figure 4 of the drawings, are normally positioned adjacent the inner ends of the individual clamp bar carried fingers 26. Also, it `will be noted that said rod 3|, is engaged loosely throughthe link connected clevises 28, as is clearly shown in Figure 6 of the drawings.

Coiled springs 'and 36 are engaged about the opposite end portions of the rod 3|; the spring 35 having bearing on an adjacent portion of the near bushing 32 and on an adjacent portionjofthe near cam element 33, while the spring 35 has bearing, `at one of its ends, on an annular shoulder 31 xedly connected to the rod 3| Iposition shown in full lines in Figure 4 to that position shown in dotted lines, the button 34 has an inward thrust imparted thereto. Such thrust effects longitudinal inward movement of the rod 3l, causing its equi-spaced cams 33 to be slidingly engaged with an over the inner ends of the particularly adjacent clamp bar carried iingers 26, hence, imparting Van outward thrust to said fingers, and by consequence, outward thrust or radial movement to the clamp bar 25. With the clamp bar 25 in its extended position, i. e., radially removed from its receiving way in the drum periphery, it will be understood that the edge or marginal portion of a master sheet may be conveniently and quickly arranged adjacent the same in and adjacent one side wall of its receiving way. With release of thrust or pressure on the rod 3|, the now compressed spring 36 will cause its immediate return to normal or original position, slidably disengaging the frusto-conical cams 33 from the inner ends of the clamp bar carried fingers 26 whereby the coiled springs 29 connected to said ngers through their respective clevises 28 will inwardly pull and re-engage the clamp bar 25 in its said drum periphery receiving way. The coiled spring 35, it will be understood, serves to limit the extent of outward sliding movement of the longitudinally disposed or mounted rod 3|.

The opposite, extended or trunnion-like ends of the mounting shaft 23 engaged in the bearings 24 individuallyv and xedly mount a gear 38 and a sprocket wheel 39. The gear 38 constantly meshes with a driving gear 4l) mounted on a stubshaft 4| suitably journaled in a bearing 42 on `the inner face ofthe portion of the side plate 1. Said stub-shaft is equipped with an operating crank 43 arranged outwardly of the side plate having a handle 44 on its free outer end. The sprocket wheel 38`on the remaining end of the 6 shaft 23 is engaged about by a sprocket chain 45, the purpose of which is hereinafter more 'ful-ly described.

It is, of course, to be understood that the loperating crank 43 may be replacedby a motor or other drive means (not shown), if desired.

Referring now to the fluid supplying means, hereinbefore identified by the numeral 4, v'the same comprises a trough-like tank 46 removably mounted transversely of and between upper portions of the side plate portions 'I' and 8 on brackets 46 secured to their inner faces, having an internally threaded lling opening provided fitting 4l in its top, adapted to be normally closed by a plug 48 turned thereinto, and a fluid discharge way having a vertical downwardly discharging valved fluid feed pipe 49 tapped thereinto. A iluid pan or well 50, mounted on brackets 5l, transversely of and between the portions 1' and 8 of the side plates directly below the tank 46, receives therein an upstanding tubular body 52 ported at its lower end, as at 53, having the lower or downwardly extended part of the feed pipe 49 telescoped in and discharging thereinto. Thus, with opening of the valve of the feedpipe 45, iluid from the tank 45 will be discharged downwardly into the well 5|! until the level of such iiuid reaches the port 53 of the tubular'body 52, i. e., barometric type of fluid feed between said tank 45 and said well 5l).

At this point, it will be noted that the fiuid supplying means 4 is enclosed by an extended and appropriately shaped portion |-3 of the sheet metal piece 3, heretofore described.

In the work sheet feeding and moistening assembly 5, a rubber iiuid pick-up roller 54 is positioned, in and longitudinally of the well 50. The opposite ends of its shaft are rotatably received in bearings in blocks 55 secured by screws or similar fasteners 5S to the inner faces of the side plate portions 7 and 8'. Right angularly formed arms 55 are xedly carried on the upper sides of the blocks 55 and each have inwardly opening pockets 5'! formed in their free extremities, the purpose of which will be presently apparent.

Mounted above and somewhat forwardly of and parallel to the uid pick-up roller 54, and pressure contacting its yieldable peripheral surface lengthwise throughout the same, is a metal squeegee roller 58 whose end carried co-axial trunnions are rotatably received in bearings seated on compression springs 59 housed. in each of the inwardly opening pockets 51 in theextremities of the right angularly formed arms 55 of the bearing blocks 55. Thus, the squeegee roller 58 is spring loaded and is'maintalned'in yieldable though Vpositive peripheral engagement with the pick-up roller, the extent of which is governed by the degree of pressure exerted by the compression springs 59 on the aforesaid trunnion bearings. The hard metal periphery of the squeegee roller 58 is smooth throughout its area,and by its rotation over the periphery of the coinparatively soft rubber pick-up roller 54, through frictional contact therewith, functions to distribute liquid taken up by the pick-up roller over and along the same; also, to remove any surplus of such liquid from the pick-up roller periphery whereby to ensure its eicient operation.

`It is considered of importance to here note that the hard smooth peripheral surfacecf the squeegee roller is highly eiectual in causing' an even and uniform distribution of well picked up moisture Vover and about theperipheral surface ofthe pick-up roller 54. ABecause of such peripheral distribution of moisture on said pick-up Y sembly 5.

The moistening roller 60, preferably constructed of rubber possessed of a suitable degree of softness or pliability, is arranged rearwardly adjacent and parallel to the pick-up roller 54. It is journaled in block or like bearings 6I detachably connected to adjacent portions of the inner faces of the portions 'i' and 8 of the bed side plates. Relationing of the moistening roller to the pick-up roller 54, is such that peripheral engagement between them, at a predetermined pressure, is effected. Consequently, the transfer of moisture from the latter to the former occurs during their rotation.

In order that rotary motion may be transmitted from the driving gear 45 to the moistening roller 60, a pinion 62 is xedly mounted on an appropriate end of its shaft and is in constant mesh with said driving gear 40. Therefore, it will be understood that with rotation of the driving gear 40 in a predetermined direction, rotation of the moistening roller 60 in an opposite direction will be effected. Because of the fact that the moistening roller B has peripheral frictional engagement with the periphery of the adjacent rubber pick-up roller 56, rotary motion, in an opposite direction, Will be transmitted by said moistening roller 50 to said pick-up roller 54. By the same token,v the metal squeegee roller 58, frictionally contacting the yieldable peripheral surface of the pick-up roller d, will have rotary motion transmitted thereto collectively with rotation of the latter.

Immediately adjacent and lightly frictionally contacting the under peripheral side of the work sheet moistening roller 6B, throughout its length, is a relatively paralel feed roller 53. Said roller is preferably made of metal and has its periphery knurled or roughened, -as'at 64. Due to the frictional engagement between the rollers 6B and S3, it will be seen that with rotation of the roller 60, theother thereof will be collectively rotated though in an opposite direction. Thus, work sheets will be passed between the rollers Si) and 63 and positively delivered or fed therefrom to the master drum 3. At the same time, said sheets will have their upper surfaces wholly and uniformly engaged with the periphery of the moistening roller 6D, and so, thoroughly moistened.

In order that the moistened Work sheets passed from the rollers 60 and 53 will be properly engaged with and impressed on the periphery of the master drum 3, i. e., the master sheet attached to and carried by the same, an impression roller 65 is adjustably or movably mounted in proximity and parallel to its underside (see Figures 5 and 7). This impression roller, which is made of appropriately soft rubber, is carried by a shaft 56, whose opposite ends extend beyond its opposite sides. The shaft ends are rotatably mounted in a pair of bearing blocks 6I connected by fastening devices 68 to arms @t pivotally supported on the opposite portions of a rod 1i) disposed transversely of and between the lower portions of the bed side plate portions 'i' and 8' and locked thereto, as at 1l. As will be noted on reference to Figures 1, 3 and 5 of the accompanying drawings, the rod mounted arms 59 and their respective bearing blocks 61 receiving the opposite ends of the impression roller carrying shaft 65, are positioned in proximity to adjacent and inner face portions of the bed plate portions 1 and 8'. In consequence, rockable mounting of the impression roller 65 (movement to and/or from the periphery of the master drum 3) will be permitted. i

To lselectively transmit rocking movement to the impression roller, whereby the same may be selectively moved into or out of peripheral contact with the master drum 3, inwardly extending stub-shafts 12 are journaled in bearings in the portions 1"'and 8 of the bed side plates in proximity to the opposite ends of the master drum 3. A finger engaging piece 13 is fixedly mounted on the outer end of each stub-shaft 12 and is arranged outwardly of its particular mounting side plate portion 1 and/or 8', where convenient operational access may be had thereto. An arm 14 is affixed to the inner end of. each stub-shaft T2. Thus, with pivotal movement 0f the pieces 73, their respective stub-shaft carried arms M will be rotated, the extent of which rotation is limited in one direction by a stop 15 engaged in the inner faces of both side portions 1 and 8', as shown in Figures 5 and '7 of the drawings. Contractile coiled springs 16 are connected at certain of their ends to the stubshaft carried arms 14, as at Tl, and at their opposite ends to anchoring fingers 13 carried on the near or companionate bearing blocks B1. When the nger engaging pieces 13 are collectively in the positions shown in Figure 5, the spring engaged ends of their respective Varms 14 will be inwardly and downwardly disposed, thereby allowing the springs 16 to be contracted, and so, transmit a minimum of pull to the bearing blocks 61. Consequently, the compression roller t5 will be only lightly contacted with the periphery of the master drum 3, preventing surface distortion of both master drum and impression roller. This positioning of the impression roller B5 is effected only when the machine is not being operated or when only a minimum of impression contact between the master drum and impression roller is desired.

When it is recuired that the impression roller 65 shall be contacted with the master drum periphery under greater pressure than that above explained, as when the machine is operated, the nger engaging pieces 13 are each swung downwardly to positions such as shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. In these positions, the stub-shafts 'l2 will have been rotated, whereby to pivot or swing the spring engaged ends of their respective arms M upwardly into abutting engagement with the adjacent stops 15, greatly increasing the tension of the springs 16 and causing the impression roller 65 to be contacted with the master drum periphery under a correspondingly increased pressure.

The impression roller tensioning and de-tensioning means, just described, it will be understood, represent -but one form of means for regulating contact between the compression roller 65 and the master drum 3. If desired, other and as effective means may be substituted therefor. To this end, it will be noted that the hereinbefore described arms 68 are each provided with extensions 69 in order that other forms of regulatable tensioning means (not shown) may be connected thereto.

To effect the successive individual feeding of work. sheets from themachine -bed shelf 2 into shelf 2. Relativelyspaced parallel transverse slots 1 'I9 are formed in the shelf 2. A second and complemental guide wall 80 is arranged on the shelf 2 in opposed relation to the guide wall 'I1 and is slidable transversely of the shelf over the slots 18.

Transverse sliding motion of the guide wall 86 is effected by positioning a screw-threaded shaft BI transversely of the underside of the shelf 2 between and parallel to the slots 1S, rotatably mounting one end of the shaft in a bracket 82 secured to an appropriate portion of the bed side plate 8 and journaling its opposite end in a suitable bearing in the remaining side plate 1. A hand crank 83 is engaged with the journaled and extended end of the shaft 8| and facilitates its rotation as and when desired. A bracket arm 84 having an internally screw-threaded collar 84 intermediately of its opposite ends, is positioned beneath .the shelf 2 adjacent to and longitudinally of the slidable guide wall `8) and vis bolted or otherwise connected to said wall through the transverse slots '18, asat 85. The screw-threaded collar 84' receives the shaft 8i therethrough. Thus, by rotation of the shaft BI through the hand crank 83, the threaded collar 84 travels along said shaft `in the desired direction, moving the guide-wall 80 along with it transversely of the shelf 2, whereby to effect a desired adjustment of the same, along with work sheets which may be stacked between it and the immovable wall 11, with relation to the machine sheet feeding and moistening assembly 5.

Individual feeding of work sheets stacked between the guide walls 11 and 88, is attained by means of a reciprocal feeder or pusher arm, generally identied by the numeral 86, arrangedl over and longitudinally of the shelf 2, as .will be observed upon reference to Figure l of the drawings. The forward and inner end of this downwardly oblique arm, is fbifurcated and provided with bearings in which a roller 81, having a comparatively soft friction sheet engaging peripheral surface, is rotatably mounted. Because of a pawl and ratchet assembly 88, operatively associated with the feeder arm bifurcated end and roller, the latter is permitted to rotate freely on its retracting and rearward longitudinal movement over the shelf 2 and work sheets stacked thereon. Gn the forward longitudinal movement or work stroke of the arm, said roller 81 is prevented from rotating by means of the pawl and ratchet assembly 88, and as the result thereof, the Sheet engaging peripheral surface thereof frictionally engages with and feeds an individual work sheet forwardly in to engagement with the heretofore described assembly 5 for transfer or impression from the master drum 'i- Reciprocation of the feeder arm 85, as above. is paused by a rocker arm 69 pivotally mounted intermediately of its ends on the bracket 82, as at 5&8. A laterally and inwardly disposed horizontal nnger 8| is xedly carried on the upper end of the rocker arm t8 and is engaged through the sleeve bracket $2 on the adjacent end of the l0 feeder arm 86 and is releasa'bly locked in a particularly adjusted position on the finger by a set-screw 93. Obviously, the feeder arm 86 may be selectively adjusted along the finger 9| whereby its friction roller 81 will be surface engaged with the shelf received work sheets at a desired point. The lower end of the rocker arm 89 is pivotally connected to the adjacent end of a connecting bar 94 disposed longitudinally of the lower portion of the machine bed I (see Figures l and 2). The remaining end of the bar 9d is pivotally connected to the free end of an arm 95 fixedly mounted on an inwardly disposed stubshaft 96 journaled in a bearing provided therefor in a lower and forward portion of the bed side plate portion 8'. A sprocket wheel 61 and cam 98 are also mounted on and keyed to the shaft 96 inwardly of the arm 85. The sprocket chain 45, driven by the hereinbefore described sprocket wheel 38, has its lower end engaged with and about the sprocket wheel 9'.' on the stubshaft 96 and transmits rotation to the same.

Thus, with rotation of the master drum 3 by thel l the periphery of said drum 3, will be effected.

The feeding of individual work sheets from the shelf 2 to the fluid supplying means 4, the assembly 5 and the master drum 3, in the order stated, whereby the same will have (1) fluid supplied thereto, (2) fluid distributed thereover for moistening them, then (3) properly registeringly engaged with the master drum carried master sheet, is controlled by a gate, generally indicated by the numeral 68. Said gate consists of a hat substantially rectangularly shaped sheet metal piece, the length of which corresponds, approximately, to the width of the oblique and upwardly extending lip I5. It is arranged directly below the lip I5 and is xedly connected to the inner end portion of a cam engaging trip arm Iilfl rockably mounted on a rod IUI disposed transversely of and supported on appropriate portions of the bed side plates 'l and 8 (see Figures 1 and 3). The free inner end of the gate is flanged, as at |02, for engagement over and along the adjacent edge of the lip I5, and as will be noted, normally closes the` way provided between the same and the adjacent portion of said lip. The arm w8 directly overlies the cam 98 and carries a downwardly directed cam engaging roller |83, which is main.- tained in constant peripheral contact with said cam by means of a tension spring m4 connected to its outer or lower end and to the adjacent portion of the bed side plate 8, at M35. Thus, with rotation of the cam Sby the sprocket chain driven sprocket wheel 91, the cam engaging arm IUI) is tripped or rocked at recurring predetermined intervals, so synchronized with the succeeding cycles or rotation of the master drum 3 as to cause a downward swinging of the free and hanged end IGZ of the gate 99 away from the adjacent end of the lip I5. In this manner, a work sheet simultaneously engaged and fed forwardly over the bed shelf 2 by the reciprocating feederarm 86, will be allowed of free sliding passage or movement upwardly over the shelf lip I5 11v A into engagement with the uid supplying means 4; also, this sliding passage of the work sheet will be so timed or regulated that it will thereafter reach and engage the master drum 3 carrying a master sheet (not shown) in a manner whereby the same will be accurately and precisely registered with the master sheet carried transfer matter, hence, ensure a properly positioned impression on the drum contacting surface of said work sheet.

In preparing for operation of my improved duplicating machine, proper fluid in the required amount is supplied to the tank 46 and fed to the pan 59 through the valved pipe 49. An appropriate hectograph sheet (not shown) is circumferentially engaged with and about the master drum 3 by engaging the button 34 on the extended end of the rod 3| and forcing said rod inwardly of the drum against the tension of the spring 3S, whereby to cause the clamp bar 25 to be radially moved to its dotted line position shownin Figure 4.

AThereupon, the proper end of the hectograph Astacked or otherwise arranged sheets to vbe collectively properly positioned on the shelf 2 with relation to the duplicating mechanism of the machine.

If insuicient room or space is had on the shelf l 2, the'leaf extension IB may be swungV upwardly toV a supported horizontal position, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 of the drawings.

The drawer 2| may be slid to an extended or partially extended position with relation to the normally rearward end of the machine bed whereby to satisfactorily receive duplicated sheets from Vthe'duplicating mechanism of the machine.

One mode of operation of the machine is as follows: The master drum 3 is rotated from power applied to the driving gear 40 which meshes with the driven gear 38 mounted on an adjacent end ofthe master drum shaft 23. Simultaneously, the driving gear 40 transmits rotary motion tothe moistening roller lill, in the direction indicated.r

Since said moistening roller 50 Vhas frictional peripheral engagement with the periphery of the moisture pick-upV roller 54, the latter will be ro- Vtated in the indicated direction, causing its peripheral surface to `be immersed in fluid contained,

at the proper level, in the trough or well 5|). The

'feed 'roller 63, because of its peripheral engagement with the periphery of the moistening roller 60, will 'also be rotatably Vdriven thereby in the direction indicated, i. e'., a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of said moistening roller. The spring loaded smooth surfaced metal squeegee roller 58, frictionally engaging the periphery of the moisture pick-up roller 54, will also be rotated in the direction indicated.

Collectively with the rotation of the various Vrollers ofthe assembly,5, in the manner above described, the sprocket chain 45 engaged about -the sprocket wheel 39 mounted on the opposite end ofthe master drum shaft 23 is rotated over and about the sprocket wheel 91 on the stub-shaft 96, thereby rotating the cam 98, and causing the cam arm |00 to be rocked on its pivotal mounting against the tension of the tension spring |94. Such rocking movement of the cam arm |09, obviously, intermittently swings the gate 99 downwardly so as to remove its flanged end |92 from over the adjacent end of the lip I5, thereby intermittently opening the way over said lipv |5 to permit the passage of an individual work sheet from the same into engagement with and between the sheet moistened roller 60 and the feed roller 63, Yfrom whence said work sheet passes into engagement with the master sheet carried by the master drum 3. As the work sheet is engaged with the master drum carried master sheet, adjacent its lower side, it will be seen that the same passes between said drumV and an adjacent peripheral portion of the impression roller 55 maintained in pressured peripheral contact with the periphery of the master drum through the now tensioned Y contractile springs 15. Obviously, the moistened work sheet is thus engaged with the drum carried master sheet under -a pressure sufiicient to effect transfer of the matter on said master sheet to the adjacent and contacting surface of the work sheet. As the master drum. continues in its rotation, the thus impressed work sheet is carried forwardly .over and from the .under side of the master drum 3 and projected or delivered into the bottom of the machine bed, particularly, into the work sheet receiving drawer 2|, aforesaid. Said work sheet and the successively following ones, as will be noted, are delivered into the drawer 2| face-sideup. Consequently, the impression or duplication appearing on the sheet or sheets may be conveniently and readily inspected by the machine operator.

YWork sheets stacked on the machine shelf 2 are individually and successively fed from the top of such stack into the duplicating mechanism of the machine through the reciprocating feeder or pusher arm 86 and the hereinbefore described roller 81 carried on its free and forward end. Reciprocation of said arm 86 in vsynchronization with the recurring cycles of rotation of the master drum 3 and the recurring opening of the gate e9 is effected by the rocker arm 89 mounted on the. machine bed, connected at its opposite end to the adjacent end of said feed or pusher arm 8G and at its lower end 'to the longitudinally disposed connecting bar 94. Said Y connecting bar 94 has reciprocal motion imparted thereto from the arm 95 fixedly mounted on the inwardly disposed end of the stub-shaft SB which, in turn, is rotated, asrhereinbefore stated, from the sprocket wheel Sl' engaged about by the master drum shaft driven sprocket chain 45.

Because of the spring loading or mounting of the squeegee roller 58 engaging the periphery of the fluid pick-up roller E4, it will be seen that fluid gathered on the peripheral surface of said pick-up roller will .be uniformly and evenly distributed thereover and therealong.

When the improved duplicating machine is no Vin use, itis desirable that the impression roller 65 shall be only lightly contacted with the vperiphery of the master drum 3 and, to effect this, the finger engaging pieces mounted on the lopposite side plates of the machine bedare rotated or turned on their respective pivotal mountings from the positions shown inA dotted lines in Figure 'T of the accompanying drawings, to the positions shown in dotted lines in Figure 5 of Ysaid drawings. Consequently, ,upon such movement, and as hereinbefore described, the tension of the 'springs 'I6 will' be materially reduced, with the result that the impression roller 65 to which they are connected wil-1V be'only lightly contacted with the master drum 3. Such light contact prevents deformation ofthe contacted portions of both the master drum 3 and the impression roller 65.

In the Figures l to 12, inclusive, of the ac companying drawings, I have shown a modified form of means for controlling the, individual feeding of work sheets from the shelf 2 of the machine thereinto for engagement with and by members of the moistening and feeding assembly, hereinbefore described. Said means include a sheet metal piece or gate ISB arranged obliquely and transversely of the bed I between its side walls I and 8, as shown in said drawing figures, and pivotally mounted, intermittently of its opposite sides (inner and outer sides) by bearing devices lili' engaged in suitable bearings in ap propriate portions ofthe plates l and 8. Said gate IBS, as will be noted upon reference to Figures and l2 of the drawings, is pivot-ally mounted so that it is counter-balanced by the lower and outer side portion thereof. Said outer and lower side portion of the gate normally rests on a cam bearing element H', pivotally connected to an inner side of one of the machine side plates. By rotating the cam on its pivotal mounting, it will be seen that the extent of down- Ward pivotal movement of the counterbalancing lower outer side of the gate It may be effected, and, by the same token, that the extent of upward and outward pivotal movement of the opposite or counter-balanced side of said gate will be likewise limited, the purpose ofl which will be hereinafter described.

The` outer side of the gate is longitudinally bent, as at Hi8, and is substantially parallel to and juxtaposed with relation to the adjacent inner end of the bed shelf 2 (see Figures I0 and 12') also, it is arranged directly below though spaced from the lower side of the fluid pan or well 5S to permit the passage of individual work sheets from the feed end of the machine thereinto over said gate It. The inner and upper side portion of the gate extends to a point in proximity to the point of inter-peripheral contact between the moistening roller 6) andthe metal feed roller 53.

As will be noted on reference to Figure 1l, the metal feed roller 63 has a plurality of equispaoed circumferentially extending grooves or ways IEIQ formed therein throughout its length.

the purpose of which will be presently apparent.

Secured to the lower face of the inner side portion of the control gate i595 are a plurality of equi-spaced and parallel fingers HI), the outer ends of which are right angularly bent, as at I II to form work sheet stops. Said fingers are of complemental shape and size, as are their respective stops III, and are disposed transversely of the gate I t6 and extend for corresponding distances beyond the inner side portion thereof,` with their inner end portions and upstanding stops I'II movably engaged in the Various and particularly adjacent circumferential ways i in the feed roller 63. In this connection, it will be noted that the free ends of said fingers H5 and their respective stops IH `are `positioned in proximity to and somewhat forwardly of the inter-contacting peripheral portions of the moistening roller Ii@ and the feed roller 63'; also, that said lnegr carried stops HI, with arran'rement of the control gate IIIB in its normal position,

14 extend from the feed roller circumferential ways I09 slightly beyond the adjacent peripheral portions of said feed roller 63, but do` not` contact the periphery of the moistening roller 60, as is well shown in Figure` 10 of the drawings.

A trip arm I I2 is xed to one end of" the control gate I, transversely thereof, and extends inwardly for a distance into the machine bed to a point in proximity to the adjacent end of the master drum 3.

That end of the master drum mounting shaft 23 adjacent the inner and free end portion of the trio arm I I2 has a collar |I3 mounted on the same and secured in a particularly rotatably adjusted position by a suitable lock screw H4. A second trip arm II5 is carried by the collar H3 and extends radially therefrom to a point near the periphery of the master drum 3. The free end of this trip arm I I5 rotatably carries a substantially richt angularly and outwardly extending bearing roller IIS. The length of the second trip arm II5 carrying the bearing roller H6 is such that when said arm is rotated along with the master drum 3, the resulting orbital path of movement of the roller IIB will cause its intermittent and recurring contact with and over the adjacent inner end portion of the first trip arm II2` carried by the inner side portion of the control gate IBG, thereby depressing the same and imparting transverse pivotal movement to said control gate It in a direction to effect downward movement of the fingers II] and their stops III into the adjacent circumferential ways its in the feed roller G3'. When so moved, it will be understood that the stops II Il of the gate carried fingers I I0 will be moved to out-of-the-way positions, i. e., fully into the circumferential ways I 639 of the feed roller B3, with the result that work sheets which had been edge engaged with said stops will thereupon be permitted to move into engagement with and between the peripheral inter-contacting portions of the moistening roller and the feed roller 53', for engagement with the rotating master drum 3.

Undesirable engagement of the free ends of the finger carried stops II I, with the relatively soft or pliable peripheral surface of the moistening roller Bil will, of course, be prevented by the supporting or stop engagement of the counterbalancing lower and outer side portion of the gate Ille with the previously and properly adjusted cani Hit, hereinbefore' described. Obviously, rotatabie adjustment of said cam |06 may be effected to bring about the desired nicety of spacing between the free ends of the finger carried stops III and adjacent portions of the peripheral surface of the sheet moistening roller Moreover, it will be understood and appreciated that because of the counter-balanced pivotal mounting of said control gate I 06, its lowor outer side portion will be normally maintained in engagement with the adjusted cam |05. In consequence, the fingers II@ and their respec-` tive stops I I I on the inner and upper side portion of said gate Eil-5 will be normally retained in their uppermost or "stop positions with respect to the inter-contacted peripheral portions of the sheet `inoistening and feed rollers til and 53', re-

spectively. Y

In Figures i3 and' le of the accompanying drawings, I have shown a `somewhat modified forni of fork sheet clamp bar actuating means ther eror. The master drum 3', having appropriate bearings It? in its end Walls, is xedly A and automatically 15 mounted on a shaft 23 whose opposite ends are journaled in bearings connected to the inner faces of the bed side plates and 8. A portion of the drum periphery has a way formed in and longitudinally thereof throughout its length. A work sheet clamp bar ||8 is adapted to be normally iushly and snugly received in the way and, as will be noted on reference to Figure 14, one longitudinal side of the bar is right angularly disposed with relation to its inner and outer faces, while the remaining longitudinal side thereof is inwardly beveled cr obliqued, as at I I8'. This beveled side I I8 is received by a correspondingly formed side of the drum periphery provided way. A plurality of spaced openings ||9 are formed in the drum adjacent the bottom of the clamp bar receiving way therein and loosely and slidably receive therethrough elongated angularly formed fingers |20 fixed at their outer ends to adjacent portions of the inner side of the clamp bar I8. The inner ends of the fingers |20 are connected to contractile coiled springs |20 anchored to a pin |2| Vmounted in the end walls of the master drum and extending longitudinally therethrough, as shown in Figure 13. Thus, the sheet clamp bar ||B will be normally retained flushly seated in the master drum peripheral Way, in the manner shown in full lines in the Figures 13 and 14 of theaccompanying drawings. i

In order that the clamp bar` ||8 may be selectively adjusted or moved out of its seated engagement in the master drum peripheral way t permit engagement of the adjacent end of a work sheet therewith, a rod |22 is longitudinally slidably mounted, at its opposite end portions, in suitably shaped and sized bearing openings in the master drum end walls. Substantially frustoconical cam elements |23 are formed in the rod |22 adjacent and in contact with the fingers |2. When longitudinal sliding motion is imparted to said rod |22 from its normally extended end |22', the cam elements |23 are moved over and by the contacted portions of the clamp bar connected fingers |20 in the manner indicated in dotted lines in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings. In consequence, the iingers |20 will be laterally moved to the dotted line positions shown in Figure 14. In so moving the clamp bar H8, with its beveled side H8', said bar will be caused to ride over and outwardly of the adjacent and similarly beveled side Wall of the master drum peripheral way to the dotted line position, also shown in said Figure 14, against the tension of the contractile Vcoiled springs |20', aforesaid. Thereupon, a work sheet end or edge may be flushly engaged with and' under the beveled side H8 of the clamp bar IIB. When thrust pressure is removed from the end |22 of the longitudinally slidable rod |22, the latter will be immediately returned to its initial or normal position under influence of the fingers |20 and their respective tensioned contractile coiled springs |20. At the same time, said lingers |28 and the sheet clamp bar ||8 Will be pulled inwardly of the master drum 3' into flushly seated engagement in the master drum peripheral way, clamping the engaged portion of said work sheet between it and the adjacent side wall of said Way.

To prevent lateral flexing or bending of the inner end portions of the fingers |20 when pressure is applied thereto from the sliding cam elements |23 on the rod |22, and so, insure effectual operative movement of said cam elements over pthe intermediate portions of said fingers |29,y

the inner ends of these fingers may be and preferably are slidably engaged with and over fixed annular shoulders or bearings |24 on appropriate portions of the master drum shaft 23'.

It is deemed pertinent and timely to here note thatl my improved duplicating machine presents to and teaches the art much in the form of meritorious advances, advantages, benefits and novelty, amongst which there may be mentioned;

Durability and simplicity of construction and assembly;

Convenient and ready access to all working parts of the machine assembly, whereby to greatly facilitate adjustment, cleaning, repair and/or replacement of parts;

Great convenience and facility in effecting a make-ready of the machine for operation and/or usage;

Simplicity of operation of the machine;

Efficient and uniform supplying and distribution of fluid (hectograph solvent) to and over work sheets, thus ensuring the production of clean, sharp and faithful impressions thereon or transfers thereto from the master sheet over and throughout a material run of work;

Effecting face-side-up impressions on or transfers to work sheets from the master drum carried master sheet, whereby said work sheets are delivered from the drum face-side-up, and hence, may be conveniently and continuously inspected by an operator, in contradistinction to a work sheet face-side-down drum engagement and delivery, and the marked disadvantages associated therewith, and

A novel arrangement and construction of moisture distributing means and/or assembly, by means of which fluid is evenly and uniformly applied to and spread over the peripheral surface of the fluid roller without the presence thereon of excessive amounts of such fluid through the squeegeeing action of a hard and smooth surfaced roller, and then transferred to a work sheet moistening roller so positioned with `relation to the master drum of the machine as to direct Work sheets moistened thereby ontothe lower side of said master drum for receiving impression from a prepared master sheet carried thereby. and the delivery of the impressed or duplicated work sheets from the drum face-side-up.

I claim:

1. In a duplicating machine, a bed, a rotary master drum in the bed, a horizontal fluid pan supported in the bed forwardly of the master drum, sheet moistening and feeding means cooperable with said fluid pan and master drum, a fiat horizontal sheet receiving and feeding shelf supported forwardly of said bed, the moistening and feeding means and the master drum, a flat apron contiguous with and extended from the inner end of said shelf into proximity to said sheet moistening and feeding means in downwardly spaced relation to the bottom of the fluid pan and terminated adjacent the inner and free side thereof forming an inwardly opening way therebetween, a flat sheet-like piece of shape and size substantially corresponding to that of said apron pivotally mounted transversely of and on the bed below and in proximity to the lower `side of the apron, the inner Yend of said piece being flanged upwardly-and normally overlappingly engaged with the inner and adjacent slide of said apron closing said inwardly opening way between the pan bottom and apron, and means operable by and from the master drum for imparting pivotal movement to said sheet-like piece whereby to open the inwardly opening way at predetermined and recurring intervals.

2. In a duplicating machine, a bed, a rotary master drum in the bed, a horizontal iiuid pan supported in the bed forwardly of the master drum, sheet moistening and feeding means cooperable with said fluid pan and said master drum, a iiat horizontal sheet receiving and feeding shelf supported forwardly of said bed, the moistening and feeding means and the master drum, a flat apron contiguous with and extended upwardly from the inner end of said shelf into proximity to said sheet moistening and feeding means, said apron being arranged in downwardly spaced relation to the bottom of the fiuid pan and terminated adjacent the inner and free side thereof forming an inwardly opening converging way between the same and the fluid pan bottom throughout the vlength thereof, a flat sheet-like piece of shape and size substantially n corresponding to that of said apron pivotally mounted transversely of and on the bed below and in proximity to the lower side of the apron, the inner end of said piece being flanged upwardly and normally overlappingly engaged with the inner and adjacent side of said apron closing said inwardly opening converging way between the pan bottom and apron, and means operable by and from the master drum for imparting pivotal movement to said sheet-like piece whereby to open the inwardly opening converging way at predetermined and recurring intervals.

3. In a duplicating machine, a bed, a rotary master drum in the bed, a horizontal fluid pan supported in the bed in spaced relation to the master drum, sheet moistening and feeding means cooperable with said iiuid pan and master drum, a fiat horizontal sheet receiving and feeding shelf supported on the bed forwardly of the moistening and feeding means and the master drum, a flat apron contiguous with and extended from the inner end of said shelf to a. point in proximity to said sheet moistening and feeding means, said apron being arranged in downwardly spaced relation to the bottom of the fluid pan and terminated adjacent the inner and free side thereof forming an inwardly opening converging way between the same and the iiuid pan bottom throughout the length thereof, a fiat sheet-like piece of shape and size substantially corresponding to that of said apron pivotally mounted transversely of and on the bed and below and in proximity to the lower side of the apron, the inner end of said piece being flanged and normally overlappingly engaged with the inner and adjacent side of said apron, closing said inwardly opening converging way between the pan bottom and apron, a downwardly disposed arm connected to one end portion of said sheet-like piece, spring tethering means connected to the lower and free end of said arm and to said bed, and rotatable cam means mounted in the bed in proximity to the lower end of said arm bearingly engaged by the same and rotatably driven from said master drum.

4. In a duplicating machine, a bed, a rotary master drum in the bed, a horizontal iiuid pan supported in the bed forwardly of the master drum, sheet moistening and feeding means cooperable with said fluid pan and master drum, a flat horizontal sheet receiving and feeding shelf supported on the bed forwardly of the moistening and feeding means and the master drum, a fiat apron extended from the inner end of said shelf upwardly to a point in proximity to and communicating with said sheet moistening and feeding means, said apron being arranged in downwardly spaced relation to the bottom of the uid pan and terminated adjacent the inner and free side thereof forming an inwardly opening converging way between the same and thefluid pan bottom throughout the lengths thereof, a flat sheet-like piece of shape and size substantially corresponding to that of said apron pivotally mounted transversely of and on the bed below and in proximity to the lower side of the apron, stop means mounted on the inner end of said piece cooperable with said sheet feeding means whereby to control communication between the inwardly opening converging way and said sheet moistening and feeding means, a trip arm secured to a portion of said sheet-like piece extending inwardly therefrom to a point in proximity to said rotary master drum, and a second trip arm mounted on and rotatable with said rotary master drum for intermittent bearing contact with the free end of said arm.

5. In a duplicating machine. a bed, a horizontal fluid pan supported on the bed, a master drum rotatable on the bed spaced from said fluid pan, a sheet moistening roller on the bed communicating with said fluid pan, a xedly mounted sheet feed roller on the bed peripherally contacting the periphery of said moistening roller, said feed roller having a plurality of relatively spaced circumferentially disposed ways therein, a flat horizontal sheet receiving and feeding shelf on the bed forwardly of said rollers and the master drum, a fiat apron contiguous with and extended from the inner side of said shelf into proximity to said rollers and communicating therewith, said apron being arranged in downwardly spaced relation to the bottom of the fluid panand terminated adjacent the inner and free side thereof forming an inwardly opening converging way between the same and the fluid pan bottom throughout the lengths thereof, a fiat sheet-like piece of shape and size substantially corresponding to that of said apron pivotally mounted transversely of and on the bed and below and in proximity to the lower side of the apron, stop means on the inner side of said sheet-like piece engageable, at times, in the circumferentially disposed ways in the feed roller, and means operable with rotation of said master drum for intermittently imparting pivotal movement to said sheetlike piece and stop means whereby to move the latter with relation to the circumferentially disposed ways in said feed roller.

ARTHUR H. GEIB.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,051,376 Hernlund et al Aug. 18, 1936 2,185,188 Flanigan Jan. 2, 1940 2,212,659 Costello Aug. 27, 1940 2,231,109 Breuer et a1 Feb. 11, 1941 2,231,291 Morrison Feb. 11, 1941 2,237,548 Copeland et al Apr. 8, 1941 2,264,578 Marchev Deo. 2, 1941 2,271,954 Rockhill Feb. 3, 1942 2,288,287 Kokay June 30, 1942 2,340,327 Jagger et al Feb. 1, 1944 2,364,942 Bradt Dec.` 12, 1944 2,389,848 Gibson et al Nov.. 27, 1945 2,411,881 Janke Dec. 3, 1946 

